Page 51 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Cassandra left Hunter’s office with hurried steps, her heart pounding against her ribs. She fought to keep her emotions in check, but her vision blurred with unshed tears. The weight of their final conversation sat heavy on her chest, suffocating her. As she walked down the dimly lit corridor, she nearly collided with Jessica, who stopped short and looked at her with concern.
“What’s wrong, lass?” Jessica asked, tilting her head.
Cassandra shook her head, her voice tight. “I just want to be alone.”
Jessica studied her for a moment, then nodded. “I understand, but I’ll walk with ye to yer room. Ye seem unwell.”
Cassandra didn’t argue, too weary to protest. They walked in silence, Jessica keeping close beside her. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the stone halls, the quiet making Cassandra’s heart ache even more.
When they reached Cassandra’s room, Jessica turned to her. “Do ye want me to fetch ye a wee nip of whiskey? Might help calm yer nerves.”
Cassandra hesitated, then sighed. “Aye. That sounds good.”
Jessica nodded and disappeared for a moment, returning with a small flask. She poured a measure into a wooden cup and handed it to Cassandra. Then she sat beside her, waiting patiently.
Cassandra took a slow sip, the burn of the whiskey settling deep in her chest. For a long moment, she said nothing, simply staring at the cup in her hands. Finally, she spoke.
“Richard is well now. It’s time for me to go back to McAllister Castle.”
Jessica exhaled, nodding. “Now I understand.”
Cassandra forced a small, hollow smile. “It’s what I came here to do, after all. The McDougal clan doesnae need me anymore.”
Jessica studied her carefully. “And what about what ye need, Cassandra? Are ye sure this is what ye want?”
Cassandra swallowed hard, looking away. “What I want doesnae matter. What matters is what’s right.”
Jessica sighed, leaning back against the chair. “Ye sound just like Hunter.”
Cassandra’s head snapped up, eyes narrowing slightly. “What do ye mean by that?”
Jessica shrugged. “I mean he pushes away what he wants, too. Always carryin’ the weight of duty, always thinkin’ he must do what’s right instead of followin’ his heart. Thinks he's cursed and that if he loves, those he loves will fall into danger.”
Cassandra clenched her hands around the cup. “Then perhaps we’re more alike than I realized. But it doesnae change anything.”
Jessica gave her a long, knowing look. “So ye’re just goin’ to leave? Just like that?”
Cassandra inhaled sharply. “Aye. What else is there for me to do?”
Jessica hesitated before speaking again. “Hunter cares for ye, ye ken. Even if he’s too stubborn to say it.”
Cassandra let out a bitter laugh. “Carin’ for someone isnae enough. Nae when his past keeps pullin’ him back. Nae when Margaret is here. She's the maither of Elena. It is right that I go, to give their family a true chance."
Jessica pursed her lips. “Aye, she’s still here, but that doesnae mean ye must leave.”
Cassandra shook her head. “I cannae stay, Jessica. Every time I look at him, I see what I cannae have. And it hurts.”
Jessica reached over, squeezing her hand. “Then let me at least say this—ye deserve happiness, Cassandra. If ye ever find a reason to come back, like say to visit me than do it for yerself. Ye have friends here that would want to see ye again, like meself. Dinnae stay away simply because ye think ye must stay away.”
Cassandra’s throat tightened, and she nodded. “Thank ye, Jessica. That means more than ye ken.”
Jessica gave her a sad smile. “Then let me pour ye another drink. Seems like we both need it.”
Cassandra let out a small, shaky laugh as Jessica refilled her cup. For now, she would drink, she would sit in the company of a friend, and she would gather the strength to leave. Even if it broke her heart.
The next morning, Cassandra found Daniel and Jessica standing near the courtyard, speaking in hushed tones. Daniel turned when he saw her approaching, his expression unreadable. He held up a small leather coin purse, the weight of it clear in hispalm. “Hunter’s put me in charge of seein’ ye home safely,” he said, his voice steady.
